Best decorated cake contest winner at the Lycoming County Fair was Taylor Bennett from Montgomery. The contest was sponsored by the Muncy Bake Shop.  

The following is a recollection of some of the highlights from 2015 that took place in the tri-town area.

JANUARY

Friends Church in Hughesville dedicated a new building.

PennDot completed plans for the intersection of Routes 220 and 405 in Hughesville. Contractors from Gannett Fleming explained the process to the public on January 14. Operations will begin March of 2018.

Craig Skaluba, the new Superintendent for Muncy School District officially started his new position January 1st.

CAROL SHETLER/The Luminary Blue Star mothers (left to right) Karen Campbell, Cherie Murray and Deb Pietrovito hold a scarf which is part of the wardrobe identifying Blue Star Mothers.

Muncy Valley Hospital was recognized for being a leader in critical access care in the nation and the state with the Louis A. Ditzel Jr. Award for Quality Improvement in Rural Health.

Jon E. Kemp, district judge, settled into his new office from S. Main Street in Muncy to Route 405 in Muncy Creek Township. The county purchased the 3500 square foot property that doubled in size from his former location.

On Saturday January 17, PPL crew members fixed the Muncy soccer field with a large net to prevent the balls from slipping into a fallow field filled with poison ivy.

FEBRUARY

Muncy Indian grapplers won their first round of District 4 Class AA Duals defeating Danville, 49-28.

The Muncy Historic District was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1979 and it was announced at a press conference on Feb. 9, 2015 that it is in the organization's annual list of endangered historic properties and listed with six others to its Pennsylvania At Risk list.

Flood maps are looked at from the County Planning Commission with some modified provisions since the passing of the Biggert Waters Act. Muncy is eligible for a remapping reform for the Flood Insurance Program.

A new Yoga studio opened on the corner of Main & Water Street in Muncy.

The Muncy High School Varsity wrestling team captured the Heartland Arena Conference III title in their final season match.

Thomas Taber donated three old maps of Muncy to the Muncy Public Library and put together a 2700 page volume of the “Muncy Encyclopedia” and also donated a copy to the library.

A blue bird trail with nesting boxes was constructed at Lime Bluff Park in Wolf Township by the Lycoming Audubon Society.

Craig Skaluba, the new Superintendent for Muncy School District officially started his new position January 1, 2015.

Royce Eyer of Muncy was inducted into the District 4 Wrestling Coaches Association’s Hall of Fame. He was a graduate of Hughesville High School in 1997.

The Muncy Historic District was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1979 and it was announced at a press conference on Feb. 9, 2015 that it is in the organization’s annual list of endangered historic properties and listed with six others to its Pennsylvania At Risk list.

MARCH

On March 9, 2015, the Blue Star Mothers of America, Inc (BSMA), PA Chapter #12, became official. Currently with 8 members and 2 associates, these mothers are already active in local events as well as gathering items for deployed soldiers. On May 5, designated as Blue Star Mothers Day, Chapter President Jackie Ceaser-Wherry of Williamsport, and Chaplin Karen Campbell of Montomery, were recognized in Harrisburg at a gathering of the state assembly.

An expansion project for the East Lycoming YMCA was introduced to the public showing a conceptual design for a 15,500 sq. foot building. More classroom space is needed and more child care services after an assessment was made two years ago.

RUTH FRY/The Luminary Royce Eyer, of Muncy, (above right), was one of the five inductees into the District 4 Wrestling Coaches Association. He was a graduate of Hughesville High School in 1997.

A new 50 unit senior housing development costing 11 million is being planned for Muncy Township on John Brady Drive pending approval from a state grant and tax credits from the developer.

Two locals, Dakota Nixon of Muncy and Zach Fry of Hughesville, placed at the PIAA Class AA State Championship wrestling tournament in Hershey.

The Grange News Agency in Muncy closed its doors on North Main Street after being in business for 122 years.

The Muncy School District Foundation was established and announced by President Layne Oden on Thursday, March 12 in the high school auditorium. The First Community Foundation presented them an endowment fund of $35,000.

Roger Jarrett of Muncy received the Alumni of the Year Award from the Williamsport Lycoming Chamber of Commerce.

Muncy Township Supervisor, Paul Wentzler was recognized for 31 years of service on March 11 and presented with a plaque by his fellow supervisors.

The Muncy Rotary celebrated 80 years of dedicated service to the community with a dinner on March 21st at the Pennsdale United Methodist Church.

APRIL

In conjunction with the National Ring Bells Across the Land: A Nation Remembers Appomatox initiative, the East Lycoming Historical Society invited the community to ring bells in remembrance of this historical significance on Thursday, April 9th.

The Hughesville community was formally introduced to a new police dog by Eric Linhardt, Lycoming County District Attorney. “Bear” is a dual purpose canine according to his handler, Hughesville Police Chief Rod Smith.

A new store opened up on 29 S. Main Street in Muncy. Owners Joni Johnson and Jackie Heitmas of ‘Blessings By Design’ donate part of their proceeds toward the Water for Life Foundation.

Dakota Nixon from Muncy won 5th place in 145 division at the 2015 PIAA State Wrestling Championships, Zachary Fry from Hughesville won 8th in the same division and Angelo Barberio from Muncy won State Qualifier, 113 lb. division. Brandt Harer from Muncy won his 2nd consecutive Pennsylvania Junior Wrestling state championship in Hershey. He captured the 55 lb. in the 8 and under division.

High levels of methane gas were found in Sugar Run just east of the Hughesville Borough near the site of a Marcellus Shale gas well leak. DEP reported that the gas well has never been put into production and gas continues to impact the stream and water supplies.

Styers landmark barn at their farm in Muncy was destroyed by a massive inferno, Monday, April 13.

Christine Lechlen, former educator and track coach of Hughesville High School was the honorary starter of the boys and girls track meet held against Montgomery. Lechlen started the girls track program 40 years ago, and was the first girls track coach in 1975.

On Weds. April 15, log hemlock structures in Carpenter Run were built by the Lycoming County Conservation District to help prevent erosion of the creek bank and guide the water flow in Muncy Township.

Opening ceremonies for Little League Baseball took place on Saturday, April 25th. Officials recognized 68 years at Kiess Park in Muncy Creek Township.

MAY

The third grist mill in Clarkstown was dismantled after 75 years.

May 2nd was Montgomery Little League’s 70th celebration when Bob Farley and Denny Lapp threw out the first pitch to Tanner Springman at the Clinton Field.

A plaque was awarded to the Hughesville Rotary for being the oldest sponsor for Hughesville Little League. It was given by Little League board member Jen Thomas to Rotary members Peggy Wood, Mike Bieber and Geneva Peck.

Making their debut, the Spartan Baseball Team won the annual “Backyark Brawl” at Bowman Field in Williamsport on Saturday, May 9.

On Thursday, May 7th, 19 local businesses who became mentors for students from the Lycoming Career and Technology Center were awarded certificates for their guidance and exemplary efforts for leading 22 students into the workplace world of their respective careers.

Muncy Borough Council passed two ordinances related to the Muncy Borough Municipal Authority funding for the proposed $6 million refurbishing and upgrading of the borough’s water system.

District Governor Elect Charles Poust presented the Melvin Jones Fellowship to Lion member Paul McCoy and his wife Iva McCoy from the Picture Rocks Lions Club.

After 25 years in the business, Judy and Galen Houseknecht sold Houseknecht Machine and Tool Company in Hughesville. New ownership names Paul Kramer as new President and Manager with a new location on Old Cement Road in Muncy.

Kirklain Alexander was nominated as the Lycoming Career and Technology Student of the Year.

The Lady Spartans held their “Strike-Out Cancer game and dedicated the game to Tanya Diaz Neenan, of Hughesville, a cancer patient.

Montgomery Councilwoman, Fae Herb organized the Hometown Hero Banners program for the second consecutive year in Montgomery.

JUNE

Commencement for the class of 2015 was held on the front lawn of Muncy High School on June 3rd.

The Montgomery Red Raider Baseball Team captured the District 4 Class A championship, defeating Mansfield at Bowman Field where they honored their late classmate, Dionna Satteson.

On June 15 the Repasz Band provided musical interludes at the Moreland Community Church in a series of tributes to Civil War soldiers recognized by the East Lycoming Historical Society.

On June 4th Montgomery introduced a new summer recreation program, “Summer Alive” for families and kids to provide summer meals, gardening, crafts, educational opportunities and community sponsors with programming, rewards and incentives. Over 20 families registered that day.

On June 5th, commencement took place at the Montgomery Area Athletic Complex and Community Center for Montgomery High School class of 2015.

114 students graduated from Hughesville High School on Friday, June 5th on the football field.

A burning ordinance was introduced to the Muncy Borough for review by borough solicitor Christopher Kenyon.

The R.J. Patrizio Pool in Muncy opened with a 900 sq. foot addition and renovation projects as well as a new hydraulic lift chair for the pool. A bath house with 3 new changing rooms was added. New electrical work and plumbing was also added and a new entrance. Students from the Lycoming Career and Technology Center worked on the project. Funding was provided through a grant with the First Community Foundation.

Numerous homes were evacuated and Route 42 as well as Route 239 were closed to traffic after a gas line ruptured in the 300 block of Bradley Road in Jordan Township about 9:40 p.m. Tuesday, June 9.

The Hughesville Rotary Club partnered with Hughesville Borough to complete the installation of pavers surrounding the Rotary Clock and the flagpole on the corner of Main and Water Streets in the downtown borough.

Dottie Bingaman from Montgomery celebrated 100 years on April 30, 2015 and was recognized at the Montgomery Alumni Association dinner on June 13 at the Clinton Township Fire Hall.

The Montgomery Area School District recently formed the Red Raider Foundation. That was the gist of an announcement made by Roberta Specht, Foundation secretary, at the June 13th Montgomery Area High School Alumni Banquet.

On June 20, 2015, the Lawn Party committee pulled multiple communities together once again for the 32nd annual Muncy Valley Hospital Auxiliary Lawn Party, containing exciting events such as a silent auction of art and antiques, as well as musical entertainment throughout the day. $31,000 was raised during the event for the hospital.

JULY

205 persons gathered on June 15 at the Moreland Community Church during a program sponsored by the East Lycoming Historical Society. This was the society’s 7th and final segment in a series marking the Civil War’s 150th anniversary.

A new six sided steeple to house the ringing church bell originally placed in 1834 was reconstructed for the Muncy Presbyterian Church located at 10 Penn Street in Muncy.

Muncy, part of Lycoming County’s 50 year Heritage Plan, reviewed the town’s historic resources and architecture and identified it as a site for historic preservation. Future plans were announced at a public outreach meeting held on Tuesday, June 23 at Orlando’s Market & Deli on S. Main Street. The main focus was the intersection at Main and Water Streets, mainly the Myers Auto Building, the Ritz Theatre and the Mozley Opera House.

Lycoming County celebrated Fair week July 16 to July 25. Beer sampling was added as a new category for judging. The Muncy Garden Club won a Presidential Choice award for a table arrangement. This year’s winner of the annual Blueberry muffin contest was Rachel Percival, of Hughesville. The categorty was sponsored by the Green Barn Berry Farm, Clinton Township. Sponsored by the Muncy Bake Shop, the best decorated cake contest winner was Taylor Bennett from Montgomery.

PHOTO – CAKE WINNER

BEST CAKE AT FAIR

The state Department of Environmental Protection conducted a mosquito control operation to reduce high populations of mosquitoes in Muncy Creek Township and Muncy Borough. The treatments were administered via all-terrain vehicle and truck-mounted equipment, spraying residential, recreational and industrial locations.

AUGUST

On Sunday, August 2nd the Muncy community grieved the loss of former postal worker and desk clerk, Jamal Blue while a stone was placed in his memory on the grounds of the Muncy Post Office. More than 100 people attended the memorial gathering.

Clinton Baptist Church in Montgomery ordained David Jacobs as their new serving minister.

Muncy Bank Financial, Inc., holding company for the Muncy Bank & Trust Co., announced it was ranked 22nd on the “Top 200 Community Banks List” in the United States as published by American Banker Magazine. This is the 7th consecutive year that the bank was recognized for this significant accomplishment.

The Muncy Professional Business Association presented a check for $438 to CAP, Muncy’s summer recreation program. Partnering with the MPBA, CAP hosted a community day event at the pool on Friday, August 7th.

Revitalization Montgomery focused efforts on celebrating the river with future projects for a river walk. Montgomery Second Saturdays were held each month during the summer with bike giveaways for children.

Muncy Borough council voted to adopt an ordinance governing burning. Burning of clean, untreated wood in a commercially manufactured outdoor fire receptacle or outdoor fire place or other reasonably safe outdoor fireplaces and receptacles is permitted. Burning of plant life, refuse or any other similar substance except by written approval of borough council is prohibited.

On Monday, August 10 an elderly man, who may have suffered a medical episode behind the wheel, died when his van drifted down an embankment and into the Susquehanna River. The deceased was 79 year old, Kenneth E. Hill of River Rd., Muncy.

On Tuesday, August 11 the Repasz Band performed a free concert on the front lawn of the Muncy Valley Hospital.

The Williamsport Symphony performed a free outdoor concert on the lawn of the Poulton’s in Muncy on Friday, August 21st under a perfect sunset skyline at 7 p.m.

A free summer concert featuring desendants of the orginal Bob and Dean McNett Band performed on August 27 at Montgomery Borough Park.

A Ceremonial Bugle was donated to Glenn Sharrow American Legion Post 35 in memory of Gordon McCarty and Richard Thomas, both veterans who in 1972 joined partnership in Hughesville’s only home for funerals.

Ten teams participated in the annual “Kan Jam” tournament sponsored by the Hughesville Little Spartans Football team.

Students at Muncy High School returned back to school on Thursday, August 20 and were welcomed with new lockers and new flooring.

SEPTEMBER

On Friday, September 4th, Hughesville High School’s football team planned a military tribute for their first home game, a “Military Appreciation Day and Game” according to Superintendent Michael Pawlik. Starting with a military salute and a surprise entry of new camo football jerseys, the game allowed free admission for all veterans.

The Muncy Historical Society opened a massive exhibit “World War II and the Home Front” display which started on Wednesday, Sept. 2 and continued through Sept. 30 at the Lycoming Mall.

Three alumni were elected to Muncy High School’s Athletic Hall of Fame: John Brink, class of 1966; the late Ken Hill, class of 1955; and Missy Foresman, class of 1995. They were inducted during half time at Muncy’s homecoming football game on October 16th. They were the 63rd, 64th and 65th members to enter the Hall since its establishment in 1976.

Hughesville Baptist Church celebrated 125 years on Sunday, September 13.

Close to 14,000 motorcycles rode in the annual 9-11 tribute that started at the Clinton Township Fire hall in Montgomery.

On Sept. 22 Woodlands Bank in Hughesville received a new clock that resembles the old one originally placed in 1908. Of the Woodlands Bank 8 locations, the Hughesville building on the corner of Main & Water Streets is the oldest and most significant historically according to bank president, Jon Conklin.

Members of the Muncy Valley Hospital Auxiliary showcased more than 82 years of the group’s service during an exhibit in the hospital lobby. The organization’s history was shared by treasurer, William Ritter of Muncy.

Morgan Craft of Muncy Valley won a spot on the United States Olympic team for 2016 games in Rio de Janeiro by winning the international Sport Shooting Federation World Championship Shotgun title in Lonato, Italy. She will compete at the Olympic Games on Aug. 12, 2016.

One of Hughesville’s Main Street’s longtime signs, the one identifying Haag’s 5 cent-$1 Variety Store has been removed from its original site at 33 N. Main Street. On Sept. 22 the sign was donated to the East Lycoming Historical Society by Ed Rogers and Kyle Daugerty.

OCTOBER

The East Lycoming Historical Society hosted programs at 7 sites honoring local Civil War soldiers. From those events more than 200 photos were selected for all to view on Oct. 18 at the Trinity Lutheran Church’s social hall in Hughesville.

On October 9, five were inducted into Montgomery’s Athletic Hall of Fame: Jim Ring, class of 1965; Allen Horn, class of 1971; the late Dionna Satteson, would be class of 2015; Matt Bennett, class of 2001; and Jonathon Carpenter, class of 2000.

A memorial bench was placed at the Muncy Heritage Park and Nature Trail in the honor of Jack Murray, a Pennsdale resident, for his advocacy in good forestry practices. A ceremony was held on a pleasant Sunday afternoon on October 11 at the park along with members from the Lumber Heritage Region of Pennsylvania.

Dr. Shawn Wolf, a graduate from the Hughesville High School class of 1982 was inducted into Hughesville’s Academic Hall of Fame during a celebration banquet held Oct. 17 at the LCTC. On Oct. 9 four others were inducted into the school’s Athletic Hall of Fame: Angela L. (Stackhouse) Hunley, class of 2000; Maurice “Dan” Egly, class of 2006; Vince Grieco, class of 1983; and the late Steven E. Poust, class of 1976.

The St. John Lutheran Church at Gordner’s Grove in Unityville celebrated their 125th anniversary on Sunday, Oct. 11.

Pennsdale resident, former educator and Muncy School Board member, Carla Auten was inducted into the Hall of Fame for Warrior Run School District on Saturday, October 10, 2015.

Students at Muncy High School contributed in a financial reality fair during International Credit Day on Thursday, Oct. 15.

An emergency public meeting of Muncy Township and the Muncy Township Volunteer Fire Company was held on Oct. 23rd to discuss harboring relationships between the two organizations over ownership and operation of the Pennsdale Community social hall and building that is used by both parties. It was determined to continue negotiations in order to come to a mutual agreement.

An unmanned Army surveillance blimp broke loose from its mooring in Maryland and floated over Pennsylvania for hours Wednesday, October 28 with two fighter jets on its tail, triggering blackouts across the countryside as it dragged its tether across power lines. The bulbous, 240-foot helium-filled blimp eventually came down in at least two pieces near Muncy as people gawked in wonder and disbelief at the big, white, slow-moving craft. No injuries were reported.

NOVEMBER

Muncy won the ‘Old Shoe’ football trophy for the 11th consecutive season against Montgomery.

Kavlick Enterprises remodeled and redesigned the McDonalds at the Lycoming Mall entrance and donated funds to Muncy High school and the Muncy Township fire department.

Ken Lowe and Sue Lowe from the American Legion Post 268 in Muncy took care of over 100 Hometown Hero banners that hung throughout the county in honor of local veterans. A ceremony was held on October 30. The annual veterans day parade took place in Muncy on Saturday, Nov. 7. It started on Musser Lane and ended at Geringer Hall in Muncy.

Representatives from the PA Dept. of Aging visited Susquehanna Health’s Skilled Nursing Unit in Muncy to advocate patient’s rights and the Ombudsman program that recognized 5 of its residents.

On Nov. 3rd, Helen Kreppenneck of Montgomery was given a special proclamation to honor her 100th birthday by Mayor Andy Onufrak in her home.

Demolition of the Myers Auto Parts building in Muncy began the week of Nov. 9th.

Hughesville’s Rachel Thomas and Allison Mattucci took home a fourth place finish at the PIAA Class AA state championships held in Hershey.

Marion McCormick and brother Paul Decker of the Montgomery Area Historical Society returned from the Netherlands where a memorial was dedicated to their brother, Lt. Delmar Decker. Delmar and most of his crew died in World War II. They gave a presentation of their visit and story to the historical society on Nov. 11.

The Muncy Bank and Trust Company was named one of American Banker’s Best Banks to Work For in the nation for the third year in a row.

60 household senior residents in Muncy received special Thanksgiving placemats made by Student Council members at Myers Elementary School in Muncy during the Meals on Wheels delivery by John Tewksbury and his wife, Leah.

DECEMBER

33 new trees were planted in the streets of the borough of Montgomery with the help of Mike Dincher and Justin Shelinski from Pennsylvania College of Technology and 30 of their students. The project was funded through grants coordinated by the Susquehanna Greenway Partnership and the organizational efforts of Revitalize Montgomery and the Montgomery Borough.

Muncy Township supervisors approved a property and ownership agreement with the Muncy Volunteer Fire Company after months of dispute regarding the building they share at 1922 Village Road and for the Pennsdale Civic Center. Under the agreement when the mortgage is paid in full, ownership and management will be jointly owned by the township and the fire company. The township has been paying on the mortgage since 2003, therefore the township will have a 60 percent share and the fire company 40 percent. Cost for future repairs will also be split 60-40. The building continues to be a community asset.

Due to health reasons and a lack of business, theater owner Jay Richards has been trying to sell the building since the theater closed in September 2014. In November of that year, he received a purchase offer from 3:16 Covenant Church in Williamsport. Covenant Church rents space for worship and children’s ministry at the Williamsport Holiday Inn. As the church began to grow, there became a need for a permanent location, and he explored the possibility of purchasing the Ritz according to the church’s pastor and founding member Salvatore Minnella. The sale was contingent on the church receiving a change of use variance, but that was denied because the borough’s zoning ordinance does not permit churches in the business district.

Meagan’s Box Foundation wrapped and delivered over 1600 gifts to area agencies over the holidays.

On Dec. 8 Muncy Bank announced a new president and CEO for 2016. Robert J. Glunk will be replacing Daniel C. Berninger who will retire December, 2016.

The Bush estate owned by the Alvin R. Bush family in Muncy Township has now become a venue of corporate events, weddings, socials, dinners, meetings and parties. The historic home was originally built in the mid 1800s with many unique features. With 5 bedrooms and baths, the family hopes to turn it into a Bed & Breakfast.

A new business opened on Muncy’s N. Main Street in the former Grange News building. Owner Nikki Williams has created a home like atmosphere selling gently used clothing, household items and furniture.

A new playground was dedicated at Myers Elementary School in Muncy on Dec. 5. Funding came from joint efforts with the Muncy SD Foundation and the Margaret Waldron Memorial Fund.

Sue Scott from Muncy won this year’s Five to Drive grand prize, a Jeep donated by Fairfield Chrysler Dodge Jeep in Muncy.

Dr. Michael Gross from Picture Rocks announced his retirement after practicing medicine in the area since 1975.